The US Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Halo Maritime Defense Systems have jointly developed a new maritime security barrier to protect warships in harbour.

The new Halo Barrier system, which could provide a quantum leap in existing sea-port protection, provides protection to ships against speeding attack vessels in port and requires less manpower and lower maintenance.

ONR deputy director of research Craig Hughes said the new technology is a combination of great ideas, emergent technology and meets a critical need for ONR.